CITY OF TALLAHASSEE
CITY COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED ON: May 27, 2009
SUBJECT/TITLE: Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Grant Applications for the 2007 Section 5316 Job Access and Reverse Commute (JARC), the 2007 and 2008 Section 5317 New Freedom Program (NFP) apportionments
TARGET ISSUE: N/A
STATEMENT OF ISSUE
StarMetro is requesting permission to submit a grant application to the Federal Transit Administration for the apportionments for the 2007 49 U.S.C. Section 5316 Job Access and Reverse Commute (JARC), the 2007 and the 2008 Section 5317 New Freedom Programs (NFP) and is requesting authority to execute and administer funding upon receipt. This grant will provide StarMetro with funding for administrative costs as well as operating and capital expenses for the selected project providers.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Approve Option 1 – Approve the request to apply for, execute and administer the 2007 Section 5316 JARC funding in the amount of $139,757, the 2007 Section 5317 NFP funding in the amount of $42,761 and the 2008 Section 5317 NFP funding in the amount of $46,193
Approving this option will allow the City and StarMetro to perform their obligation under 49 U.S.C. to apply for and administer this Federal program as the Designated Recipient for JARC and NFP and to take advantage of Federal funding which is already allocated and listed on the Federal Register for the purpose of supporting public transit in the region. The fiscal year 2007 FTA funding being requested via this grant application will expire on June 15, 2009.
FISCAL IMPACT
There will be no adverse fiscal impact to the City. StarMetro is eligible for ten percent (10%) of the funds to be used to cover the staff time used to administer the grants. Approval of this agenda item will not cost the City. The Office of Budget and Policy has reviewed this item, and it is in compliance with City guidelines.
Ronald L. Garrison/Executive Director,
Anita Favors Thompson, City Manager
For Information, please contact: Brian Waterman, Transit Planning Administrator at 891-5564.
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL/ISSUE ANALYSIS
HISTORY/FACTS & ISSUES
The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFTEA-LU), enacted on August 10, 2005 and codified at 49 U.S.C. Chapter 53, authorizes Section 5316, JARC and Section 5317, NFP. The JARC program provides funding to support the development and maintenance of job access projects designed to transport welfare recipients and eligible low-income individuals to and from jobs and activities related to their employment. The JARC program supports reverse commute projects designed to transport residents of urbanized areas and other than urbanized areas to suburban employment opportunities. Toward this goal, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) provides financial assistance for transportation services planned, designed, and carried out to meet the transportation needs of eligible low-income individuals, and of reverse commuters regardless of income. The NFP seeks to reduce barriers to transportation services and expand the transportation mobility options available to people with disabilities beyond the requirements of ADA of 1990. These grant funds may be used for capital costs or operating expenses. Up to ten percent (10%) of the total grant money is allowed for administrative costs incurred by the designated recipient of the grant. These funds are included in the Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP), and the State Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP).
StarMetro has been appointed by the Governor of the State of Florida as the designated recipient of the FTA funding for the JARC and NFP. The FTA apportions funds to designated recipients at the state level for non-urbanized areas and small-urbanized areas, and at the local level for larger urbanized areas. As required by the FTA and outlined in the attached Program Management Plan (PMP), designated recipients conduct a competitive project selection process; certify fair and equitable distribution of funds resulting from the competitive selection process, certify that each project selected was derived from a locally developed coordinated public transit-human services transportation plan, certify that local plans are developed through an inclusive process; manage grant distribution and oversight for sub-recipients receiving funds and submit reports as required by FTA.
StarMetro conducted the required project selection process and three potential projects have been selected. These selected projects comprise the Program of Projects (POP) to be submitted to FTA (see attached). With Commission approval, the Federal grant will be submitted and the FTA will review these projects and make a determination as to whether the projects meet criteria to be funded from the grant. When all criteria are met, the FTA will notify StarMetro and the grant will be executed. [After execution StarMetro will award funding for the selected project(s).]
Below is a brief description of each project selected:
This proposal is intended to use JARC program funds to establish a subsidized vanpool program for Gadsden, Wakulla and Jefferson County Residents. The funds would be used to acquire a minimum of four vehicles through a leasing agreement with either Big Bend Transit, Vanpool Services, Inc. (VPSI), or other provider. Funds would also be used to offset capital recovery costs and some operational costs in efforts to make the service a more viable option for low-income workers. CSNF will provide matching funds as required by FTA.
Project 1B -Big Bend Transit, Inc. (BBT)
This proposal is intended to use JARC program funds to expand the operation of a 16.3 mile fixed schedule/route “in-town” shuttle from three days per week (M-W-F) to five days per week (M-F). The service will operate 9.5 hours per day and will serve the general public, WAGES participants and Transportation Disadvantaged (TD) persons, receiving transfers from the Gadsden County Coordinated Transportation System. BBT will provide matching funds as required by FTA.
2007 New Freedom (NF) Funds Project
Peacock Public Relations Marketing & Consulting
This proposal is intended to use NF program funds to establish a transit-training program for the elderly and disabled residents of Leon County. The funds would be used to develop a self-paced training program for people that wish to learn to utilize the StarMetro system in order to access the community. Instruction and assistance will be provided in order to increase independence and confidence using the regular accessible fixed route system. Peacock Public Relations Marketing & Consulting will provide matching funds as required by FTA.
2008 New Freedom (NF) Funds Project
Peacock Public Relations Marketing & Consulting
The 2008 funds will be used to continue the 2007 project. Peacock Public Relations Marketing & Consulting will provide matching funds as required by FTA.
CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS
Charitable contribution does not apply because this is a grant to be awarded by the FTA.
OPTIONS
1. Approve the request to apply for, execute and administer the funding from the 2007 FTA Section 5316 (JARC) apportionment in the amount of $139,757, the 2007 FTA Section 5317 (NFP) apportionment in the amount of $42,761 and the 2008 FTA Section 5317 (NFP) apportionment in the amount of $46,193.
Pros: Helps to support and expand public transportation by providing funding for planning, vehicle purchases, facility construction, operations, training, and other purposes.
Cons: Requires a twenty to fifty percent (20 to 50%) match from the applicant.
2. Do not approve and provide guidance to staff.
Pros: Fewer grants for staff to manage.
Cons: Returns the funding to the FTA to be dispersed to other municipalities.
ATTACHMENTS/REFERENCES
Attachment 1 - Program of Projects (POP)